Best Campgrounds near Fife Lake, MI

Are you in need of a campground near Fife Lake, MI? Fife Lake is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Fife Lake, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

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Best Camping Sites Near Fife Lake, Michigan (247)

    1. Traverse City State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    Traverse City, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 922-5270

    "Located on busy US-31, but with pedestrian bridge over 4 lanes to beach. TART (Traverse Area Recreation Trail) access from campground. Easy biking to Traverse City or Acme."

    "Bathrooms were clean, sites were average size for Michigan state parks. Close to the bike trail, though a little noisy from the nearby airport and roads."

    2. Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort

    21 Reviews
    Traverse City, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 947-2770

    $60 - $260 / night

    "We stayed here in our little offroad teardrop camper which looked like David & Goliath when contrasted against the massive 5th wheels surrounding us."

    "There is a pool, jump pad, miles and miles of mountain biking trails and hiking trails, a man made lake which has some inflatable water toys."

    3. Green Lake Rustic South — Interlochen State Park

    34 Reviews
    Interlochen, MI
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 276-9511

    $20 / night

    "Every year I camp on the Green Lake side of Interlochen State Park, and this year was the first year I allowed a guest - my fiance."

    "Not super close to Michigan cities, but can drive back and forth to Traverse City."

    4. Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

    9 Reviews
    Williamsburg, MI
    10 miles
    Website

    "Absolutely serene and secluded in the gorgeous northern Michigan wilderness.

    This is a park and walk camping spot. Also permits are apparently required as this is a state park."

    "We didn't know too much about Sands Lake when we arrived, so we just drove in a few minutes and found a beautiful lake with a prime campsite next to it."

    5. Old US-131 State Forest Campground

    6 Reviews
    Fife Lake, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-9727

    "The NCT and Fife lake loop trailhead is right in the campground. There is also Manistee river access for kayaking and fishing. Good sized campsites but some are directly across from each other."

    "it was cold and rainy so we passed on hiking. we decided instead to drive around and explore the traverse city area and some of the dog friendly parts of sleeping bear dunes national lakeshore. had a great"

    6. Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground

    5 Reviews
    Fife Lake, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 857-8000

    $25 - $55 / night

    "There is plenty of walking area to get some exercise for yourself and dogs.

    I would highly recommend making this campground one to park your camper at!!!👍"

    "This campground is centrally located to everything that’s going on, on the west side of the state. Whether it’s trail riding, Traverse City Cherry festival or hanging in the town of Manton."

    7. Scheck's Place State Forest Campground

    5 Reviews
    Kingsley, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 922-5280

    "It's fairly wide open, with trees around, but this was great as it made stargazing easy."

    "I like the location; very secluded in the State Forest but only a half hour from downtown Traverse City. This facility meets the recreation need of a diverse cross section of Michigan residents."

    8. Spring Lake State Forest Campground

    3 Reviews
    Fife Lake, MI
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-7911

    $20 / night

    "Pretty good campground other than it’s right off M-66 and you can hear the traffic, but the campground is clean and nice, right on spring lake with easy access if you like to boat, kayak, or fish."

    "However, it is perfect for backpackers looking to complete the Fife Lake Loop."

    9. Whitewater Township Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Williamsburg, MI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 413-1160

    $45 - $60 / night

    "This park is situated up on a hill on beautiful Elk Lake. Elk Lake can easily access Torch River and into Torch Lake. It has a fantastic boat launch which we have used."

    "The park itself is positioned on a hillside next to a lake. We had a site at the top of the hill which I recommend."

    10. Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground

    3 Reviews
    Fife Lake, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 857-8000

    $25 - $55 / night

    "We rented a extra site, so nobody could rent near us, sooo nice! Very close to Manistee River and canoe/raft liveries, very fun family togetherness activity."

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Recent Reviews near Fife Lake, MI

1007 Reviews of 247 Fife Lake Campgrounds


  • Byron S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Camp Grayling Trailer Park

    Great RV park

    This is a military base and need proper identification to enter. The sites are well maintained (sand pads). The beach area is well maintained and relaxing. The wireless internet is GREAT! Also have cell coverage. Clean and quite for only $20 per night (cash or check only). The camp site manager (Tim) was fantastic!

  • Maddy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

    Quiet is right!

    Absolutely serene and secluded in the gorgeous northern Michigan wilderness.

    This is a park and walk camping spot. Also permits are apparently required as this is a state park. They were out of camping registration cards. I think this park is being impacted by the recent cuts to forest service. Anyway, I went ahead and stayed. I was the only one here. The nature - forest, lake, and wildlife had me in tears.

    From the trail head/parking it’s about 1/2 mile or less to bathrooms and lake camping. There was spotty service for T-mobile but I managed to get some texts + calls through.

    I’d love to come again.

  • K
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Indigo Bluffs RV Park

    Indigo Bluffs RV Park

    Awesome facility. Shaded sites that are good size. We have a 23' travel trailer and has plenty of room. Full hook ups including sewer make it very convenient.

  • Noel L.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    East Jordan Tourist Park

    Small town campground

    Right of charlevoix lake with a nice beach. Our site was level.Very clean and well kept campground. 20 minute walk to downtown East Jordan. Lots are small

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Old US-131 State Forest Campground

    Great spot!

    Nice campground. The NCT and Fife lake loop trailhead is right in the campground. There is also Manistee river access for kayaking and fishing. Good sized campsites but some are directly across from each other. A little bit of noise off in the distance sometimes but not sure where it was coming from other than that it was quiet and peaceful

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Lime Lake

    Great Campsite

    The campsite was very large with lots of spots to camp. Trails and a sizeable lake made it even better. Great location and only about 15 minutes from Sleeping Bear dunes.

  • Deb M.
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Betsie River Campsite

    Nice location

    This is a nice little private campground. The people are friendly and it appears to be well kept. The sites are pretty close together, and with many people having a boat, and/or extra canopies, etc., on their sites, it seemed so. Very. Crowded. The location is great - right on a bike path and close to the super cute town of Frankfort and easy access to Sleeping Bear Dunes.

  • Kristin Z.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Paddle Brave Canoe Livery & Campground

    Clean, Friendly, and Perfect River Tubing Trip

    We stayed at PaddleBrave this past weekend and couldn’t be happier with our experience. We rented Cabin 1 and the campsite directly across from it, and from start to finish, everything was fantastic.

    The owner and staff were incredibly friendly, accommodating, and had excellent communication both during the reservation process and throughout our stay. The sites and camp bathrooms were the cleanest I’ve ever seen, and the staff went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable.

    The gift shop was a nice bonus, offering fresh coffee for just $1 every morning and stocking plenty of essentials in case you forgot something at home. Downtown Roscommon is only about 6 minutes away, making it easy to pop into town.

    We also did the 4-hour tubing trip and rented tubes from Paddlebrave—it couldn’t have gone better. The river was beautiful and the whole experience was smooth and well-organized.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Little River Casino

    Very Nice Place

    This is a very nice campground, it's on Casino Property and they did an excellent job. All sites have Electric Water Sewer, and I believe cable. They also have a dump station. There are no site firepits, but they do have a place for fires. All sites have concrete pads and wide asphalt roads. Showers are in the clubhouse. The staff is friendly and also staff and grounds keepers are very helpful. The area close by within 3-4 miles has just about everything You may need. The only downfall is if there is one for everything You get is price. But again it's a very nice e place.


Guide to Fife Lake

Camping near Fife Lake, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore the outdoors: Many campers enjoy hiking and biking on nearby trails. For instance, one reviewer at Hartwick Pines State Park Campground mentioned, "There are many walking trails and bike trails too," making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Fishing opportunities: If you love fishing, you’re in luck! Campers at Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park rave about the area, saying, "Lots to do outside of the campground in that general area as well, hiking trails and fishing opportunities everywhere."
  • Enjoy the beach: Many campgrounds near Fife Lake have access to beautiful beaches. A camper at South Higgins Lake State Park Campground noted, "The beach is amazing, the views awesome," highlighting the scenic spots you can enjoy.

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One visitor at Barnes County Park Campground said, "They clean the bathrooms multiple times a day which is nice."
  • Friendly atmosphere: Many campers enjoy the welcoming vibe at the campgrounds. A reviewer at Indigo Bluffs RV Park shared, "Nice campgrounds, clean restroom and showers. Swimming pool very nice friendly staff."
  • Spacious sites: Campers often mention the roomy campsites. A visitor at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort remarked, "We had a lovely, shaded, level, spacious site which most of them seemed to be."

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or airports. A camper at Traverse City State Park Campground mentioned, "There are cars passing by frequently, but less in the evening."
  • Site proximity: Campsites can be close together, which may not suit everyone. A visitor at Barnes County Park Campground noted, "Sites are pretty close together in some locations."
  • Booking challenges: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly. A camper at South Higgins Lake State Park Campground warned, "When it comes to booking, it’s impossible to get a spot somehow they’re already booked before they even allowed to be booked."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Look for kid-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds have playgrounds and activities for children. A reviewer at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort said, "There is a ton of stuff to do there."
  • Plan for meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A camper at Indigo Bluffs RV Park mentioned, "Grocery and firewood 3 minutes down the road!"
  • Choose a spacious site: Look for campgrounds with larger sites to give kids room to play. A visitor at Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park appreciated the "quiet and everyone who was around us was super nice and friendly."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for hookups: Make sure your chosen campground has the necessary hookups for your RV. A camper at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort noted, "The campground was large - it’s actually two parts - an RV resort for large fifth wheels and Class As."
  • Be prepared for leveling: Some sites may not be perfectly level. A visitor at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort mentioned, "The lots were not very level so the setup was a bit more difficult."
  • Explore nearby attractions: Many campgrounds are close to fun local spots. A reviewer at Indigo Bluffs RV Park highlighted, "It is also close to a trailhead for the Sleeping Bear Dunes Heritage Bike Trail."

Camping near Fife Lake, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Whether you want to relax by the water or explore the woods, you’ll find a spot that fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Fife Lake camping areas?

Camping areas around Fife Lake offer a variety of amenities. Old US-131 State Forest Campground provides spacious, wooded campsites with Manistee River access for kayaking and fishing. The North Country Trail and Fife Lake Loop trailhead are located right in the campground. At Thurston Park Campground, you'll find lakefront sites with fishing and paddling access, plus a playground adjacent to the campground. Most sites in the area are rustic but well-maintained, featuring fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, though amenities vary by specific location.

Where is Fife Lake campground located in Michigan?

Fife Lake is located in the northern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Two popular camping options in the Fife Lake area include Old US-131 State Forest Campground and Spring Lake State Forest Campground. These campgrounds are situated near the North Country Trail and the Fife Lake Loop trail system. The area provides access to the Manistee River, making it a convenient base for hiking, fishing, and kayaking activities.

Are reservations required for camping at Fife Lake?

Reservations are not required at many campgrounds around Fife Lake. Spring Lake State Forest Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. This makes it particularly convenient for backpackers looking to complete the Fife Lake Loop, as they can stop for the night without prior planning. For more options with reservation systems, Traverse City State Park Campground is available within driving distance. It's advisable to arrive early during peak summer months and weekends to secure a spot at the first-come, first-served campgrounds.